The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in our body. The knee joint is prone to injuries that can cause pain. Especially often the knees are injured when running. Let's take a look at the main causes and treatments for knee pain.
Knee pain symptoms
Symptoms of knee pain depend on the cause and severity. Knee pain is a common problem.
Knee pain can occur suddenly with too much stress and injury.
Instability or weakness can often occur in the knees, leading to the feeling that the legs are about to give way.
Depending on the cause of the pain, other symptoms may be observed: stiffness of movement, clicking in the knee, locking of the knee joint in one position, inability to straighten the leg.
How does knee pain affect us?
Knee pain occurs most often in the elderly, overweight (due to increased stress on the joints) and during sports. The knee joints are actively involved in locomotion, so knee pain greatly affects our life. With knee pain, we cannot play sports, it is difficult for us to walk and climb stairs.
The knee joint is made up of three bones, tendons that connect muscles to bones, and ligaments that stabilize and connect bones. In the cavity of the knee joint there are two C-shaped cartilages - menisci. Their main role is to cushion the joint. The fluid-filled bag allows the joint to move smoothly.
80% of the people surveyed had knee pain.
Why knee pain occurs
Knee pain is often caused by injuries (sprains and tendons, dislocations, torn ligaments or menisci), as well as osteoarthritis, tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and bursitis (accumulation of fluid in the bursae).
Sports injuries
Knee injuries are common among athletes. They often have a ruptured knee ligament with sudden knee pain. Excessive stress on the knee joint, such as when running, walking, jumping and cycling, can cause the so-called "runner's knee" (iliotibial tract friction syndrome). It usually manifests as pain in the patella region and is caused by overuse, injury, leg bone disease, or muscle weakness.
Other reasons
Knee injuries can gradually develop with osteoarthritis. If, due to problems with the hip or ankle joints, a person's gait is disturbed, this in turn can cause asymmetry in the load on the knee joints, which, in turn, is fraught with injury. Knee injuries, even minor ones, increase the likelihood of similar injuries in the future.
Determine the cause of the pain
Pain in the side of the knee can be caused by damage to the ligaments and a tear in the meniscus (the cartilage layer that stabilizes the joint). Pain in the front of the knee is usually due to inflammation of the bursa and cartilage problems. Osteoarthritis can cause pain in the back of the knee.
Treatment
How knee pain is diagnosed and treated depends on the cause of the pain. To determine this, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will examine the knee, check its movement, swelling, bruising and localized fever. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and a knee brace to relieve pain, refer you for further tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, or CT), show you exercises to strengthen the knee joint, and prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for relieve pain and cure its cause. Also, after consulting a doctor, at home, you can provide protection and peace to the injured knee, apply ice, apply a compression bandage, and keep the knee in an elevated position. Over-the-counter pain relievers for internal and external use can help relieve short-term moderate pain and reduce inflammation.
What is runner's knee syndrome?
Knee injuries are common among athletes involved in track and field, particularly running.
Runner's knee syndrome includes the following symptoms:
- Pain behind or around the kneecap (kneecap).
- Pain when bending the knee.
- The pain gets worse when walking downhill or walking down stairs.
- Swelling in the knee area.
- A click or creak may be heard in the knee.
Treatments include rest and taking anti-inflammatory drugs
Exercises to relieve knee pain
Knee pain is common: Out of 100 people who complained of pain, 80 reported knee pain. Three simple exercises will help make the muscles supporting the knee stronger and more flexible. Doing these exercises regularly will help prevent or relieve knee pain.